Mass Learning Project Presents MA PLTW Community Awards
Joined by special guests Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Patrick Tutwiler, MA Secretary of Education, we recognized three educators at Fall Conference for their outstanding contributions to their schools and to the MA PLTW community at large during the 2024-25 school year:
Rookie of the Year – Cathleen Kong, Chelmsford High School
In her first year teaching PLTW Computer Science, Cathleen has already distinguished herself through creativity, strong instructional practice, and an eagerness to grow. She makes complex concepts accessible and engaging for students while fostering a love of problem-solving and discovery. Beyond the classroom, Cathleen has actively participated in PLTW events and conferences, seeking out opportunities to learn, connect, and bring fresh ideas back to her school.
Leader of the Year – Kristen Palatt, Hoosac Valley
Kristen is a leader who consistently strengthens PLTW in her school and across the community. She conducts instructional walkthroughs with the APB framework in hand, helping teachers keep the Problem at the center of learning and ensuring high-quality classroom experiences. Kristen also champions PLTW awareness by giving students a platform to present their work to the School Committee and inviting the local newspaper to capture the amazing things happening in their classrooms. Always eager to share with peers, she has presented at Mass Learning Project’s Back-to-School Webinar and other sessions, offering practical ideas for how to bring PLTW tools to life. Through her focus on instructional quality, student voice, and community awareness, Kristen exemplifies how thoughtful leadership can expand the impact of PLTW for students and educators alike.
Educator of the Year – Jon Jasinski, Medway High School
Jon is a standout PLTW educator whose impact on students and the community is remarkable. He inspires students to achieve at high levels, showcasing their work through regional and state events that highlight both creativity and mastery. Jon shares his expertise widely – leading sessions at August Refreshers, presenting at conferences, and serving as a trusted resource within the MA PLTW community. His dedication, leadership, and ability to elevate both students and peers is exceptional.
Student Work Cup – Webster Public Schools
Webster’s commitment to engaging and showcasing students across all PLTW programming. Both the middle and high schools participated in all three student events last year – Student Solve, Student Industry Connects, and the Applied Learning Showcase – demonstrating a strong commitment to hands-on, real-world learning. Webster schools exhibit student work throughout their buildings – in trophy cases, on bulletin boards, and even in windows – and host a district-wide showcase at the end of the year to highlight students across all schools. Educators also actively encourage others to join in the fun, spreading enthusiasm for PLTW throughout the community.
National PLTW Awards
We also celebrated 3 community members who received national recognition::
- Jes Barrett (Hampden-Wilbraham) – Outstanding Launch Teacher
- Jayshree Krishnan (Hadley) – Outstanding Launch Teacher (not pictured)
- Jared Bollinger (Millbury) – Outstanding Engineering Teacher
Congratulations to all! We are so honored and lucky to have you in our MA PLTW community!